Ecuadorian volcanoes 11-day mountaineering trip

Climb five imposing South American peaks, including Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, with Edgar, an IFMGA certified mountain guide.

11 Days

Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec

High

Intermediate

Description

One of the main tourist attractions of Ecuador is the “Avenue of the volcanoes”, which crosses the entire Ecuadorian Sierra. It has around 200 mountains, including more than 70 volcanoes, and covers over 300 kilometers.

On this tour we will climb of the five peaks on this scenic route, among them Chimborazo and Cotopaxi. It will be a challenging mountaineering experience during which you will enjoy the most incredible landscapes.

After a first day of tourism in Quito, the capital of the country, the volcano adventure will begin. The first summit we will reach will be the Pasochoa volcano (4,200 m), a real wildlife sanctuary.

During the rest of the itinerary, we will climb volcanoes Corazón (4,788 m) and Iliniza (5,248 m). The first one is famous for its needle shaped double summit. On Corazón, we can will see first-hand pre-Columbian military constructions, named “pucarás”.

The last few days will be the most exciting. We will have the honor of climbing Cotopaxi (5,897 m) and Chimborazo (6,268 m), the most important peaks in Ecuador.

Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. We will smell some sulfur gas emanations while hiking up. It is located in a protected National Park with an exotic fauna and flora.

The Chimborazo volcano is the highest mountain in Ecuador. Although it’s not the highest peak in the world, it is considered the furthest point from the center of the planet (because it’s located close to the Equator). From its summit, you will discover panoramic views of the entire Andes.

So, if you are up for this unique mountaineering adventure in the volcanoes of Ecuador, please contact me! I’m sure it will be a once in a lifetime experience for you!

And if you are looking for a shorter outing in the same area, you can check out my 2-day Cotopaxi Volcano ascent.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Price includes: Land transfers / Accommodations in tourist class hotels (double room) and refuges / Breakfast in the hotels / All meals during the hikes and climbs Does not include: International flight tickets / Meals and drinks in hotels / Personal climbing equipment

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Quito

We can visit the Equator Line and the Intinan museum. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2: Quito - Pasochoa – Machachi

We drive from Quito for about 2 hours through the base of Pasochoa Volcano (4,200 m). After a 6 hour hike through an amazing forest, we will reach the summit. Transfer to Machachi by late afternoon**.** Overnight in the hotel.

Day 3: Machachi - Corazón

We will drive to village “El Chaupi”. Eight hour hike towards Corazón Volcano’s summit (4,786 m). Return to Machachi by late afternoon.

Day 4: Machachi - Nuevos Horizontes Hut

We will leave from Quito village “El Chaupi”. Three hour hike to the “Nuevos Horizontes Hut” (4,750 m). Dinner at late afternoon.

Day 5: Hut - Illiniza Norte Summit - Machachi

We will get to the summit of Illiniza Norte (5,126 m) after 3 hours of easy climbing. Overnight in an old hacienda.

Day 6: Machachi - Cotopaxi Refuge

We’ll drive to Cotopaxi National Park and hike for one hour to José Ribas Refuge (4,800 m). Training at the glacier. Dinner and rest in the refuge.

Day 7: Refuge - Cotopaxi Summit - Quito

We will wake up at midnight and depart to the top (5,897 m) of Cotopaxi Volcano. The climb will take us about 6 to 8 hours, and the return between 2 and 3 hours. Drive back to Quito. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 8: Rest day in Banios town

Rest day in the small town of Banios. Optional visit to Pastaza River Canyon. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 9: Banios - Chimborazo Refuge

Drive to Chimborazo`s reserve. Dinner and rest until 11 pm in the Hermanos Carrel Refuge.

Day 10: Refuge - Chimborazo Summit- Quito

Climbing to the top of Chimborazo (6,310 m) will take us from 8 to 10 hours. We will start at midnight to get to the top early in the morning. After some rest and pictures, we’ll go back to the refuge, where our transportation will be ready to take us back to Quito.

Day 11: Flight back home

Breakfast and transfer from the hotel to the Airport.

About the guide

-Edgar

4.7

(22)

Mountain Guide

UIAGM/IFMGA-ASEGUIM Mountain Guide from Ecuador.

I am a mountain guide, but also a passionate traveler, climber in rock and ice, and photographer. I spend my free time and holidays exploring new destinations, discovering new mountains and cultures.

I have more than 17 years of experience climbing mountains and volcanoes not only in Ecuador, but also in other South American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and in the Alps in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. I also summited KhanTengri peak in the Himalayas, and Mt. McKinley in Alaska. This experiences prepared me to lead expeditions in challenging routes all around the world.

I studied 6 years of Tourism in the University, and followed ASEGUIM courses to become a mountain guide. I’ve also been evaluated by ENSA, and completed first aid courses in the Ecuadorian Red Cross.

I like guiding people from all around the world, and help them discover and enjoy the mountains, while reaching their objectives. I speak Spanish, English, German, Italian, and a bit of Russian.

Languages

Russian | Italian | German | English

Certificates

ASEGUIM | UIAGM

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!

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